A perfect storm could lead to the Houston Rockets becoming the most expensive North American sports franchise ever

After the Houston Rockets' busy offseason that included a record contract for James Harden, a trade for Chris Paul, and nearing a trade for Carmelo Anthony, the team announced this week that it is now for sale. While the move comes as a surprise, there is also a perfect storm that could make the Rockets the most expensive team in North American sports history.

"The sale of the Rockets — a stable franchise with two superstars that is coming off a successful season — could be the perfect storm for a record sale in the league. The N.B.A. is already awash with a gushing stream of revenue, and the Rockets are in the country’s fourth-most populated city and have a huge toehold in China, as well."

Whatever the Rockets eventually sell for, it is going to be a huge profit for owner Leslie Alexander, who purchased the team for just $85 million prior to the 1993-94 season. Here is how much the value of the team has risen compared to the average NBA franchise.